Exploring Creativity & Self-Discovery with the Guided Art Therapy Card Deck

How I Found Myself in a Creative Rut

Ever feel stuck in a cycle of overthinking? I do. Lately, I’ve been caught in loops of negative thinking, dwelling on the same topics over and over. I knew I needed a change—something to break the pattern. So, I did what any self-respecting former art student does: I picked up a paintbrush, grabbed some watercolours, and started painting again.

But here’s the thing—unstructured creativity can be overwhelming. I found myself collecting art supplies instead of actually creating anything meaningful. That’s when a friend recommended something that changed the game for me: the Guided Art Therapy Card Deck by Emily Sharp.

What’s Inside the Deck?

This deck isn’t just a collection of prompts—it’s a structured, thoughtful way to explore emotions, mindfulness, and creative flow. Inside, you’ll find:
– 75 Art Therapy Activities across different mediums like painting, drawing, writing, collage, sculpture, photography, and digital art.
– A Guided Booklet that introduces art therapy principles and explains how to use the deck.
– Color-Coded Cards to help you pick an activity based on available supplies and your time commitment.
– Reflection Prompts that encourage deeper exploration of emotions and creative intentions.

Each card offers a challenge with clear instructions, materials needed, and questions to consider during and after the activity.

Putting the Deck to the Test

I decided to pull a card at random and fully embrace the process. The challenge? Make Art Anywhere. The goal was to see familiar things from a new perspective.

The instructions were simple: find an outdoor space, grab some basic materials, and create something in the moment. The card encouraged me to observe nature differently, let go of perfection, and simply enjoy the act of making.

So, I packed my sketchbook, watercolours, and a pencil, and off I went—to the mountains in Davos.

What Happened When I Let Go

Standing on the slopes, I started sketching. At first, I got lost in the details—trying to capture every shadow and line. But then I remembered the prompt’s message: zoom out and see the bigger picture. Instead of obsessing over tiny strokes, I took a step back and embraced a more impressionistic style.

And isn’t life like that? We get caught up in the minutiae, forgetting to take a step back and see the whole scene. This small act of painting in the mountains became a powerful metaphor for resetting my perspective.

Why I Recommend This Deck

If you’re someone who loves creativity but struggles with direction, this deck is a fantastic tool. It’s not about making perfect art—it’s about using art as a way to process thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Whether you follow the cards in order or pick randomly (like I did), you’ll always find something meaningful to explore.

So, if you’ve ever sat in front of a blank page, not knowing where to start—this deck might be exactly what you need to break through that creative block.

What About You?

Do you have a creative practice that helps you clear your mind? Have you tried art therapy or similar guided exercises? Let’s chat in the comments—I’d love to hear about your experiences!

And, of course, if you’re curious, check out the Guided Art Therapy Card Deck and see where it takes you.